Educating our children is just about the most important feat parents and the community are committed to achieving. As a genuine instrument to the Catholic tradition, St. Patrick School in Canonsburg continues its dedication, knowing the journey is great, but the results are astounding. The school and its devoted staff are diligent in offering a warm, but challenging, atmosphere in a Christian environment.

Striving to provide a quality education, the HSA (Home School Association) at St. Patrick School will host its 15th annual dinner-dance fundraiser, “Irish Derby,” on Saturday, April 13 at the Southpointe Golf Club. One hundred percent of the “Derby’s” proceeds will benefit St. Patrick School and its students.

With two weeks remaining before the grand event, there’s plenty of time to design your very own “derby” hat to enter into the “Irish Derby” contest. The winner will not only get bragging rights, but $150 in cash.

Ragtime Banjo Dan will provide authentic derby excitement as he entertains with delightful old-time American musical techniques during the cocktail hour. Prior to dinner, guests will also enjoy appetizers and casual time to check out the extensive selection of auction items.

No waiting in buffet lines – dinner and dessert will be served table-side.

For easy listening, the local band Rubicon Crossing will offer hits from the ’60s and ’70s and to celebrate the fundraiser’s “Derby” theme, five horse racing events will offer guests opportunities to place bets and pocket their winnings.

Penguin tickets for two (valued at $250) for the April 17 game against the Montreal Canadians will top the list of popular prizes in the Chinese auction. Or, take a chance to win tickets to watch our much-loved Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, an evening at the Pittsburgh CLO, a Family Night at Home or visits to the Pittsburgh Zoo, just a sampling of prizes in the silent auction.

Pittsburgh artist George Williams will once again delight guests with his on-site paintings of sports favorites. Two of his creations will be available to enthusiastic bidders during the live auction. Lucky top bidders will also take home visits to New York or Napa Valley or signed sports memorabilia (with Certificate of Authenticity).

Participation in this year’s fundraiser will greatly support St. Patrick’s important role as teachers and staff strive to reach the school’s full potential. With a mission to help students grow academically, socially and with a clear moral vision, the school will continue to offer a quality education in a nurturing and caring environment.

“At St. Patrick School, we have adopted the mantra of ‘We Educate the Whole Child,’” said Dr. Anthony F. Merante, principal. “We work with students on their spirituality and Gospel values, in addition to the knowledge and skills in all subject areas. Whether students are working on math, whether staff members are in a meeting or whether parents and teachers are talking over lunch, Gospel values of a Catholic school are always present. This is truly a gift for us all.”

Admission to the “Irish Derby” is $60 per person. Make check payable to St. Patrick HSA. For tickets, call 724-745-7977.

St. Patrick School

For 185 years, Catholic Schools have educated students in the Pittsburgh Diocese. Led by a commitment to both the church and community, St. Patrick School in Canonsburg opened to grades one through four in 1954, extending to the eighth grade in 1958.

The school continues to thrive with Dr. Anthony F. Merante on board as principal and Rita Polansky as dean of students. Improving the educational experience of the entire student body, highlights of this school year include the implementation of the Junior National Honor Society, the Spanish language taught in kindergarten through eighth grade, all-day prekindergarten and kindergarten and shifting traditional “school book” reading to novels in grades four through eight.